For practicing Buddhists, references to "dharma" or dhamma in the singular, particularly as "the" Dharma, is used to mean the teachings of the Buddha, and is sometimes referred to as the Buddha-Dharma by other non-Buddhist schools of thought. Dharma is the universal law of nature and to call it Buddha-Dhamma suggests that other kinds of Dharma may exist. But this is not so, there is only one Dharma.

The Dharma traditions of (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism) stemmed from Arya or Vedic tradition with their own interpretation of what that tradition is. Buddhism does not regard Vedic scripture or any scriptures, including there own, as literal, indisputable or "holy and divine". Of course, this does not mean scriptures are not respected for what they teach or represent.

Indian Buddhist tradition categorized all non-buddhist schools of thought as "Pasanda" (Pasanda means to throw a noose or pasha -- since these schools foster wrong view which tend to bind and ensnare rather than free the mind). The difference between the schools of thought are outlined in the Saamannaphala Sutta of the Digha Nikaya.

Jainism

has also been suggested that the influence of Jain culture and philosophy in ancient Bihar may have given rise to Buddhism. Buddhist scriptures describe various penances (tapas) undertaken by Gautama Siddhartha which appear identical to Jain penances (e.g., cupping the hands to consume alms, plucking of hair, the penance by five fires, etc. ). These penances were later renounced by Gautama as activities not leading to Nirvana (Final Liberation). Buddhist writings reflect that Jainism was an already established faith — rather than a newly founded or reformist one — by the time Buddha lived. Early Buddhists posited the existence of 24 previous Buddhas (Buddhas who walked the earth prior to Siddhartha Gautama, as established in the Buddhist text Mahavanso 1:100:1 among others) many of whose names are identical to those of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras and other traditional Jain figures. Suggesting close correlations between the teachings of the Jains and Buddha, the Majjhima Nikaya relates dialogues between Buddha and several members of the Nigantha (Jain) community, sometimes resulting in the latter's acceptance of Buddha as a teacher. (See also Jainism and Jainism and Buddhism)

In many instances, both philosophies continue to share similar Prakrit terminology for important themes and teachings but may differ significantly in interpretation and meaning. This method of teaching adopted by the Buddha points to the pragmatic aspect of Buddha's style of teaching wherein the Buddha uses words and terms that are familiar to the audience instead of introducing new and complex technical jargon. In this way, Buddhism sought to appeal to a broad audience.

Jainism is an ancient religion and school of thought that predates Buddhism. One of its two most revered teachers, Mahāvīra (599 - 527 BCE according to Jains, though some scholars prefer 549-477 BCE<sup id="fn_1_back">1</sup>), was possibly a senior contemporary of the Buddha whose philosophy, sometimes described as dynamism or vitalism, was a blend of the earlier Jain teacher Pārśvanātha's (877-777 BCE) order and the reforms instituted by Mahavira himself. (The Majjhima Nikaya relates an incident wherein a disciple brings Buddha the news that the Nigantha Nattaputta, i.e. Mahavira, had died, thereby suggesting the latter's seniority.) Debates between Buddhists and Jains are recorded in Jain texts, and dialogues between Jains and the Buddha are included in Buddhist texts. (See also the "Origins" section, above.)

Hinduism

Main article Gautama Buddha in Hinduism

Buddhism is categorized under the Shraman Tradition ( ) of modern Indian philosophy, rather than the Brahmanical or priestly interpretation of Vedic Tradition ( ) that is followed by Brahmanical or priest based schools of Hinduism, where the priest holds himself as the interpretor and giver of Dharma.

In Brahmanical Hinduism, different philosophies within Indic traditions are classified by Brahmin priests either as Astika or Nastika, that is, philosophies which either affirmed the Vedas as divinely revealed scriptures or else regarded them as fallible human inventions. According to this tradition, Buddhism is one of Nastika schools by priests. The term "Hinduism" is applied to Astika schools or believed in the Sanatana Dharma.

The relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism should not be seen as an analogue of the relationships between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Unlike Abrahamic religions, Indic dharmas don't require exclusive allegiance and unquestioning acceptance. The relationship Hinduism and Buddhism is best understood as an analogue of the relationship between competing theories in modern day physics. There is fierce debate between the competing schools in physics but they don't to kill each other. Nor do the physicists require an unquestioning acceptance from their students. It is possible that students will change their ideas with time.

The relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism (in fact between different schools in Indic traditions) is exactly the same: they are rival competing schools of thought. Each individual has the choice to pick either school and philosophers in each school do their best to convince people.

Most Hindus, even if they do not agree with the Buddhists, deeply revere the Buddha for his utter renunciation and for the remarkable person that he was. In fact, the Bhagavata Purana, one of the most important texts of the Hindus, considers the Buddha an incarnation of Vishnu. There can be no higher testament to the Buddha's holiness than this. However, some Puranas, written by priests as well, also claim that Vishnu used his incarnation as the Buddha to deceive the unorthodox for his own reasons.

Buddha Purnima, a festival celebrating the birth of Gautama Buddha, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals.

See also

Sikhism

Buddha as an Avatara of Vishnu

God in Buddhism

Vegetarianism in Buddhism

External Links:

Gandhi and Lord Buddha

Are Buddhists Hindu?